For at least 20 years that I can remember, the purveyors of technology have promised us thinking, automated homes. From the '90's until today we have been inundated with promises of automated thermostats, self stocking refrigerators, and an easy-to-use remote control that would allow us to easily select from about a thousand channels from multiple sources. Well, the truth has … [Read more...] about Home Technology Comes of Age
Remodeling
How we Build
I lost a friend last week. Truth is, I lost him several years ago when he contracted cancer and a rare brain disease and had to withdraw from working. Kenny Kassouf Jr. and his firm Permanent Floors have installed the floors for nearly everything I've ever built. When I first met Kenny I was in my early 20's and knew absolutely nothing about building anything, and so nothing … [Read more...] about How we Build
9-11. A Remembrance
It's almost cliche now- where were you on 9/11? But, every year since, today that's what I think about. Where were we? I, and my crew, were installing the finishes on a new home in Pepper Pike. The work we were doing that day was high craftsmanship- marble floor installation and trim carpentry. I bring that up because, in the years since, the juxtaposition between a culture of … [Read more...] about 9-11. A Remembrance
The Art of Building
Yes, Art. Capital A. Sure, there's a lot of homes that aren't that artistic. And more than a few that are downright homely. But, when designed and built by people that care, homes can have a true artistic quality about them. On the drawing board, under construction, or finished, these homes just seem to hit the high notes. Creating these for our customers is the fun part of my … [Read more...] about The Art of Building
Poured Wall Initiative
We have done it. We have built our first poured wall foundation. For years I held out, opting instead for the laborious masonry foundation walls. The slower, more methodical and time tested technique of laying block by hand was my preferred method of foundation construction. All around me, though, most builders have made the switch to poured foundation walls. The process takes … [Read more...] about Poured Wall Initiative